Albert C. Freeman Jr., who had taught in the department of theater at Howard University since 1991 and chaired the department for six years, has died at the age of 78.

Freeman was an award-winning actor who played Elijah Muhammad in the 1992 Spike Lee film about Malcolm X, the slain civil rights leader. His other film credits include Finian’s Rainbow and My Sweet Charlie. He also appeared on the television soap opera One Live to Live for 15 years and was the first African American actor to win a daytime Emmy Award.

Sidney A. Ribeau, president of Howard University issued a statement that read, “He was a passionate educator, a talented artist and a true legend. The immeasurable contributions Professor Freeman made in his lifetime will forever live within the hearts of the Howard University community, the nation and the world. His distinct bass voice will continue to resonate through the theatres, recordings, and films that grace his image; and within the hearts of the many people that he touched.”